Grammatical analysis is the study of a text with a focus on how grammar is used to
derive meaning. Grammatical analysis can include identifying language patterns (e.g.,
diction, sentence structure, sentence length, sentence style, active and passive voice)
and writing style in relation to the meaning and effect they produce for readers.
Think back to the article on the Texas textbooks at the beginning of the semester. How was grammar used to narrate the history of slavery in the U.S.? That article is an example of a grammatical analysis.
People use language to inform, argue, persuade, convert, and even manipulate their
readers.
For this assignment, you will analyze a text, a document, a web site, a speech, or some other textual artifact, conduct a grammatical analysis, and write an analytical essay or article about your analysis.
Your analysis must include insightful study of the artifact and use of grammar and not
obvious observations.
You must include relevant research on the artifact, such as its author, purpose, date, any historical, political, or social importance of the artifact, and other relevant research.
Incorporate meaningful information from 3-5 research sources cited in proper APA format in the text and on the references page.
You may choose to write a typical academic essay, or you may choose to write an
expository article that you might submit for a conference, a blog post, or for another
relevant publication.
